Day 58: The Unseen

Faith is a very complex thing. That pretty much goes without saying, considering that God is so beautifully complex. It's probably also considered complex because there isn't always "obvious" evidence that can be easily seen by everyone. However, when there's evidence, that makes it general knowledge and defeats the purpose of faith. I know that there's a God and that His son, Jesus Christ, died for the sins of the world; but God wants people to believe in Him based on faith, not on hard evidence. Why? Because anyone can accept a fact, but that doesn't mean they believe in it with all their hearts.

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
~2 Corinthians 4: 1-18 (KJV)

By giving ourselves to God, we are turning our backs on dishonesty, deceit, and any other ungodly acts. Instead, we are adopting love and honesty. Unfortunately, some people are blinded by worldly things. It's not about what humans do (or have), it's about what God and Jesus do because God is the one in charge; He is the Father and we are His children, as it should be. Even if children think that they can take care of themselves, they can't--they need their parents. With everything that God has done for us, we don't even have to worry about death. First off, He gave His one and only son Jesus to die for our sins, and by inviting Him into our hearts and following the Word of God, we will be granted eternal life with God in Heaven. The power of God that revived Jesus will also revive us. That power continues to renew us more every single day. Everything God does is for our sakes because He (and He alone) knows exactly what is best for us, his children--God won't let us "faint," as it says in the above verses, even if we experience hardships. Even though the trials and tribulations we go through may seem difficult to us, they are minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but help to prepare us for greater things and, of course, shape us into the God-fearing Christians that God wants us to be. That is why faith, not fact, is necessary. Anything that we can see can't last forever, but the "unseen" (like God and Heaven) will thrive for all eternity. Even though faith may not be easy, it's what is right, and it's what I will never abandon.

Lord, thank You for this day--it was gorgeous! Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; I ask that You please continue to watch over them and bless them as You always have. Please also watch over the defenders of Your name and Your children as well as those who are unable to defend themselves; may the all be blessed with Your protection and guidance. Please bless those who do not have faith in You with good Christian family and friends whom you can work through to teach the non-believers to open their hearts in earnest to You. Merciful Lord, please forgive me of my sins, and I ask that You please show me my faults and how to eliminate/fix them. Please continue to guide me down Your path, and please help me to overcome any obstacles that arise. Lord, I ask that You please work through me to help others in their struggles and/or to find You, or however You wish to use me! I will do whatever You want me to do. Thank You for everything I am, and everything/everyone that I have in my life. Lord, I am truly blessed by You. I shall follow You and only You forever and ever. I love You with all of my heart and soul and being, and I always will no matter what! In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.